Scene on Radio

Join Ander Etxeberria, spokesperson for the Mondragon Corporation, as he shares insights into the revolutionary cooperative model thriving in the Basque Country. He delves into how Mondragon emerged from the ashes of the Civil War, fostering community and cooperation. Topics include the transformative power of regenerative economics, the importance of solidarity in work, and the benefits of giving workers a voice. The conversation challenges traditional capitalism and presents a sustainable, people-focused alternative to economic systems.

Explore the surprising origins of the NYPD, where policing intersects with slavery and resistance. Discover personal stories that reveal deep emotional ties to systemic issues. Learn about the dark history of police brutality, exemplified through harrowing tales of victims like Miss Brown. Meet abolitionists like David Ruggles, who fought for freedom against oppressive forces. Uncover the complex relationship between the NYPD and marginalized communities, revealing an urgent call for justice and re-examining public safety.

Lutz Schwenke, founder of Two Thirds, and Jordi Llatje i Espinal, branch manager at Triodos Bank, discuss the urgent need for reforms in capitalism. Schwenke shares his journey in creating a sustainable fashion brand that counters fast fashion's wastefulness. Llatje highlights the ethical banking model that prioritizes social impact over profits. Together, they explore the shift from profit maximization to responsibility, and how businesses can balance growth with ethical practices, paving the way for a more humane economic system.

Ugochi Anyaka-Oluigbo, a Nigerian reporter now living in Europe, and Loretta Williams, a seasoned writer and story editor, dive deep into the cocoa trade's legacy. They explore the enduring impact of colonialism on modern capitalism, revealing stark economic disparities. Personal stories illustrate the harrowing realities of migration and the quest for fair compensation among cocoa farmers. The discussion highlights the challenges of climate change and the complexities of migration, urging listeners to rethink ethical consumption in today's world.

Katy Shields, a reporter and producer of the 'Tipping Point' series, teams up with Vegard Beyer, a communications strategist and co-producer, to delve into the seminal work of Donella Meadows and her MIT team. They explore the warnings from 'The Limits to Growth' about the consequences of endless economic growth on a finite planet. The discussion touches on the historical backlash the study faced, the urgent need for sustainable practices, and innovative concepts like 'donut economics' to challenge entrenched economic paradigms.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Esteban Kelly, an economic justice advocate, joins Josh Bivens, an economist, Malaika Jibali, a social activist, and cultural commentator Evan Caldwell. They explore the disillusionment of younger generations with capitalism, sparked by the 2008 financial crisis. The group reflects on pivotal moments like the Battle in Seattle and the rise of Occupy Wall Street, highlighting grassroots movements that challenge economic inequities. They also discuss the need for exploring alternatives to capitalism.

Nancy MacLean, a historian focused on democracy and economic inequality, joins Edward Balleisen, an expert in regulation history, economist Brad DeLong, corporate responsibility advocate Marjorie Kelly, and policy analyst Oren Cass. They unravel how neoliberalism has shaped the perception of a rigged economy, dissecting its origins and Reagan's lasting legacy. The discussion explores labor disparities, financialization's role in wealth inequality, and the impact of globalization on American jobs, uncovering the complex threads of economic dissatisfaction in contemporary society.

Author and historian Eric Rauchway and economist Brad DeLong delve into the nuanced history of capitalism post-World War II, discussing the shift in power balance, the '30 glorious years' of prosperity, and the influence of various individuals on shaping the economic system. They explore topics such as stock speculation in the 1920s, the impacts of the Great Depression, and the fall of the Iron Curtain on economies and ideologies. The podcast highlights the complexities of capitalism, labor income distribution, and the importance of societal considerations in economic systems.

Experts in American history, economics, and the impact of capitalism discuss the rise of a new capitalist order in the United States. They explore how the country overtook its parent in wealth, the economic motivations of the American Revolution, the ruthless capitalists of the Gilded Age, the accelerated rate of technological progress, and the impact of the Industrial Revolution on society.

Discover the historical roots of capitalism through Enlightenment thinkers like Spinoza and Smith. Explore the shift in mindset towards wealth accumulation, liberalism, and democracy. Unveil Adam Smith's complex philosophy beyond the 'invisible hand,' advocating for fair markets and government intervention. Dive into the evolution of capitalism through firms and the dual nature of innovation and inequality.